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Current Iguassu Falls Flow Rate?When planning your trip there, current Iguassu Falls flow rate is something important to keep an eye on. The flow rate of the falls can change dramatically and, to a certain point, also what you can expect of them during a dry, normal or flood season.
Explanation on the Iguassu Falls Flow Rate icon This icon shows three parameters related to the falls current conditions. The number (in cubic meters per second) measures the daily average flow rate of the falls. The colored vertical bar shows the status of the falls where,
The arrow inside the colored vertical bar shows the actual trend of the flow rate condition where ‘Up’ means the flow rate is tending to increase according to last 72hs of data and ‘Down’ means the opposite. What can you expect for the different Iguassu Falls flow rate conditions?
Iguassu Falls is really a giant waterfall system made up of 275 cascades. Watching them in their full splendor is like listening to a 275 member orchestra with you standing in the middle! When the flow rate of the Iguazu River starts going down the smaller cataracts start to dry up and the “orchestra” loses some of its performing members. The main waterfalls though are almost always pouring significant amounts of water even when dry conditions are prevailing (Red and Yellow conditions). There are only two registered cases where the Iguassu Falls completely dried up, that happened in 1934 and 1978. In fact, a dry season normally doesn’t make a big difference to the spectacle because it’s only secondary, insignificant cascades that dry up and this passes unnoticed to first-time-visitors. The case is different when you’ve been there before and have memories to compare your actual experience with. On the other hand, the Iguassu Falls always offer an incredibly beautiful environment to walk into. This is the reason why, in my personal opinion, they are worth visiting no matter what the flow rate is. Besides, it’s impossible to forecast accurately their flow rate with many days in advance as of to make a decision to go or cancel your travel to Iguassu Falls. In any case it’s interesting to know what you can expect of them in different water volume conditions. The average Iguassu Falls flow rate is 1,300 – 1,500 m3/sec. The spectacle of the falls is considered at full gouge when they are pouring more than 1,000 m3/sec. Following are more detailed explanations of each of the flow rate conditions. Iguassu Falls flow rate condition Red This means they are pouring below 500 m3/sec. Most probably the main waterfalls still have significant amounts of water but most of the smaller ones are dry or almost dry. In this condition all river rafting activities are canceled due to the low water level of the Iguazu River. It’s impossible to use off-board motor boats required to move up the rapids towards the largest cataracts. River rafting the Iguazu River isn’t an essential activity for most visitors but if it is for you a Red condition means you won’t be able to do this. But conditions can change rapidly and a Red can change to Yellow in just 24hs. A dry season in Iguassu Falls means they show themselves in a different way. During low Iguassu Falls flow rate periods the falls show parts that are normally hidden behind the water curtains and this is also a spectacle in itself. It’s like watching them partially naked. Iguassu Falls flow rate condition Yellow The falls are discharging in the 501-999 m3/sec range. The main waterfalls surely have impressive amounts of water and only the smaller ones can be dry or have reduced water volume. There is a chance river rafting activities in the lower Iguazu River rapids can be suspended for security reasons. Even though there might be enough water for off-board motor boats to operate National Park authorities may decide to cancel this activity because the river has dangerous boulders hidden in shallow waters. Boat rides in the tranquil upper-Iguazu River are held normally.
Iguassu Falls flow rate condition Green The falls are discharging in the 1000-2000 m3/sec range. The giant Iguassu Falls system is showing-off its greatness at full and river rafting activities are normal. Iguassu Falls flow rate condition Blue The falls are flowing above the 2,000 m3/sec mark. What does this mean for the visitors’ experience? It usually only means you will see an even more impressive view of this world-class natural wonder. In extreme cases of very high flow rates there is a chance river rafting activities may be suspended for security reasons due to very strong currents in the rapids. There is also a chance walkways in the Argentinean side may be temporarily closed to the public due to floods. Particularly, the lower circuit and Devil’s Gorge walkways may be partially closed but only in rare very high flow rates. When this happens you still have the chance to see Devil’s Gorge from the Brazilian side which rarely is affected by floods.
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